GREENSBORO, N.C.  – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women's basketball team defeated Samford, 78-66, on Saturday afternoon in Fleming Gymnasium.
 
With Saturday's win, the Spartans improved to 11-0 at home on the 2024-25 season and 26-1 at home dating back to the start of the 2023-24 season.
 
Four Spartans recorded double-figures in the game. Nya Smith led the squad with a new career-best 22 points, while Khalis Cain and Jayde Gamble chipped in for 14 points apiece. Makiah Asidanya added 10 points in the contest.
 
Cain registered her third consecutive double-double, fifth of the season and 20^th of her career with her 14 points and 12 rebounds.
 
Saturday's double-figure scorers marked the fifth game this season where at least four Spartans have reached double-digits.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
A layup from Jaila Lee at 9:36 got the scoring started in Saturday's matchup. Samford's Aubrey Blakenship drained a triple on the other end to begin a 5-0 run for the visiting team, 5-2. With Samford in control, 10-6, a three-pointer from Smith at 5:54 sparked eight unanswered points for the Spartans to take a 14-10 lead. UNCG never allowed Samford to lead again in the game. The first frame was concluded with a three-point play from Smith, followed by a layup from Cain for a 25-15 advantage.
 
Breaking from the huddle, the Spartans notched an 8-3 run over the Bulldogs. UNCG went 4-for-4 from behind the arc in the second frame to head into the locker room with a 42-27 lead over Samford.
 
Following halftime, Samford was able to find its stride by outscoring UNCG, 18-13. However, UNCG continued to chip away to stay on top. Cain secured the final bucket of the third quarter and shut down Samford from scoring in the final possession with a block, allowing UNCG to stay in control, 55-45.
 
The final quarter was the biggest battle of them all with UNCG holding the slight advantage, 23-21. A three-pointer from Asidanya and a free throw from Lee gave UNCG the 4-0 start before Samford responded with five consecutive points. Both teams continued to go back-and-forth for the remainder of the game, but UNCG continued to hold its lead. The final couple minutes were concluded at the charity stripe for the Spartans to walk away with the 78-66 win.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Smith registered a new career-high of five three-pointers.
• Gamble led the game with four assists.
• Gamble followed closely behind with six rebounds.
• Yacine N'Diaye led the contest with two blocks.
• UNCG outrebounded Samford, 33-24.

RECORDS
UNCG: 15-6, 6-1 SoCon
Samford: 7-16, 2-5 SoCon
 
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UNCG Women's Basketball Ticket Information 
To secure your tickets for UNCG women's basketball home games click HERE for options including single games, group discounts and full season ticket options.  All 14 home games will be played on campus in Fleming Gymnasium. UNCG faculty/staff and students are free with their ID. To learn more about upcoming ticket promotions or to purchase over the phone call the UNCG Ticket Office at 336-334-3250. 
 
UP NEXT
The Spartans will hit the road to face Chattanooga on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6:00 p.m. in McKenzie Arena and ETSU on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 1:30 p.m. in Brooks Gymnasium.